Customs, NCC Partner to Boost Revenue, Block Substandard Phones

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to improve government revenue and enhance national security through tighter control of imported communication devices.

Adeniyi made the commitment when he received the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, and his team on a courtesy visit at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.

According to a statement on Friday by Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, the CGC stressed that the Service is focusing not only on revenue collection but also on the security risks posed by unchecked importation of mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecom equipment.

“Both for effective security and revenue, we will be committed to deepening collaboration,” Adeniyi said, noting that joint efforts with NCC would strengthen monitoring systems, ensure proper certification of devices, and curb abuses at the nation’s borders.

He added that Customs officers would be trained on certification processes and tariff code alignment to restrict imports to only authorised and approved devices.

On safety concerns, Adeniyi highlighted the importance of vigilance in urban centres, especially Abuja, where high-rise buildings, worship centres, and sensitive institutions require coordinated oversight to prevent disasters.

Earlier, NCC boss Aminu Maida congratulated Adeniyi on his recent election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing it as proof of his leadership at home and abroad.

Maida explained that NCC’s Device Management System (DMS) would support Customs in blocking substandard phones, boosting revenue, and improving service quality for telecom subscribers.

“One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself. If a subscriber uses a substandard phone, no matter the investment operators make, service quality will remain poor. That is why the DMS project is critical,” he said.

He also cautioned against the uncontrolled importation of uncertified network boosters, which he noted often distort signals and reduce overall network performance.

Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining close cooperation to curb revenue leakages, enhance consumer protection, and safeguard national security.